Starts Once Annually in October
The school has admitted the maximum number of students for Boatbuilding programs starting October 2021. Applicants who are interested in this year may still apply. Completed applications that meet admissions requirements and approved by the Admissions Committee will be added to the Wait List.
Applications for the October 2022 school year will open January 2022.
NOTICE: For the Class of 2021, students and staff are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19. With a strong focus on the safety of students and staff, maintaining an exceptional learning environment, and minimizing the risk of schedule disruptions, the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding will be a vaccinated school as defined by statewide regulations for the Class of 2021.
The 12-month Traditional Wooden Boatbuilding program offers:
- Hands-on training following industry standards and techniques.
- A compact twelve month intense training program to get you into the workforce quickly.
- Effective and efficient boat building and woodworking techniques through a combination of hand and power tools.
- A wide range of projects that create an environment for students to learn aside the instructor through 8′ to 30′ boat projects, both carvel and lapstrake, power, sail, and row.
- The opportunity to start from your own foundation – no prerequisites other than a high school diploma or GED. The program accommodates all skill levels and backgrounds.
- Access to the Port Townsend working waterfront providing networking with talented and experienced marine craftspeople.
What You’ll Learn
- Drafting and lofting
- How to safely use hand and power tools
- Joinery
- Patterning
- Wood species and their applications
- How to read and interpret plans
- Fasteners and their applications
- Carvel and lapstrake planking techniques
- Steam bending and sawn frames
- Caulking
- Mixing and applying adhesives
- Mold and jig making
- Spar Construction
- Project planning and management
- Deck and cabin house construction
- Interior layout and construction
- Marine finishing techniques
- Fairing
Career Opportunities
- Boat building
- Marine Carpenttry
- Historic Restoration; Architecture or Boats
- Home construction
- Finish carpentry
- Furniture making
- Timber framing
- Boatbuilding education
- Maritime museums
- Marine Surveying
- Luthier (instrument making)
- Sawyering and wood industries
| Real boats, Real world | Students progress from learning and hands-on practice in the shops and networking among the rich resources of Port Townsend's working waterfront. |
| True Community | Be part of a community that supports NWSWB students - from providing housing options to including on-the-water experiences, from veteran support resources to experienced woodworkers and marine craftspeople sharing their expertise. |
| Awards & Certifications | Students graduating from the Traditional Wooden Boatbuilding 12-month program receive a Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degree that is both accredited through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and licensed by the State of Washington. Students learn to perform work according to industry standards and techniques. |
